Written Answers Nos. 100-130
109. Deputy James O'Connor asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the amount of Ireland’s energy that is now being generated by renewable sources; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [73268/25]
View answerThe SEAI yesterday published their Energy in Ireland 2025 Report which sets out, in detail, a breakdown of Ireland’s energy usage in 2024. Of particular note, 2024 saw Ireland record our highest renewable energy share on record, with 16.1% of our overall energy consumption being met by renewable sources.
Figures from 2024 show the importance of continuing to develop our onshore and offshore renewable electricity capabilities. 2024 saw renewable electricity meet 41.3% of our electricity demand, up from 40.4% in 2023.
Ireland currently has over 7.7 gigawatts of renewable generation capacity. Onshore wind is the largest contributor to this, with 5 gigawatts of wind generation capacity, and over 2 gigawatts of solar PV installed. Hydro, biomass, and other small sources also contribute.
The Programme for Government 2025 reaffirmed Ireland’s targets of 80% of electricity demand to be met by renewable energy sources in the near term.
Two cross-Government taskforces, the Accelerating Renewable Electricity Taskforce for onshore renewables and the Offshore Wind Delivery Taskforce, continue to coordinate effective policies designed to deliver an accelerated and increased level of renewable generation capacity and related infrastructure, including strengthening the electricity grid and increasing electricity storage.
The inclusion of Regional Renewable Electricity Capacity Allocations in the revised National Planning Framework, earlier this year, will facilitate the accelerated roll-out and delivery of onshore wind and solar development. Alignment of regional strategies and local plans is now critical to maintaining progress in delivering a secure, affordable and renewable electricity supply to homes and businesses across the country.
111. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the number of meetings he has held with ESB and other energy providers on energy costs to date in 2025. [71671/25]
View answerMinister O'Brien meets with a range of stakeholders on important topics including energy prices. In this regard, I can confirm that he has met with both the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU), which is assigned consumer protection functions under the 1999 Electricity Regulation Act, and energy suppliers since being appointed as Minister.
On 26 September 2025, he met with the four biggest energy suppliers in Ireland - Electric Ireland, Bord Gáis, SSE Airtricity, and Energia. In addition to these meetings, officials from the Department meet with suppliers on a regular basis and a key message to them is the critical importance of prices being reduced as soon as possible.
Following engagement with suppliers, the Minister has received confirmation that hardship funds for those struggling to meet their energy costs will be made available to households this Winter. The hardship funds operate in different ways from supplier to supplier. I would, therefore, encourage customers that are experiencing difficulties paying their bills to engage with their suppliers. I would also highlight that customers engaging with their supplier will not be disconnected.
The CRU has also published enhanced customer protection measures for Winter 2025/2026. For the upcoming Winter period, some of the key customer protection measures that will remain in place include a disconnection moratorium for reasons of non-payment; discounted tariffs for financial hardship meter customers; and promotion by energy suppliers of the vulnerable customer register. This is in addition to the existing sources of support, such as the Fuel Allowance, Household Benefits Package and Additional Needs Payment Scheme operated by the Department of Social Protection.
In June of this year, the Department established a National Energy Affordability Taskforce to identify, assess and implement measures that will enhance energy affordability for households and businesses, operating within the broader policy context set by the Programme for Government. The taskforce has completed its first report, which included measures for consideration to support customers in the coming Winter, to inform Budget 2026 discussions. This report is available on gov.ie.
The taskforce will now proceed with further work to develop an Energy Affordability Action Plan, including a programme of public consultation and stakeholder engagement. The action plan will be published in 2026.
114. Deputy Louis O'Hara asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment if there are specific regulations for the operation of battery energy storage systems; what monitoring powers exist in terms of ensuring that these systems are operating according to existing regulations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [72581/25]
View answerAll batteries used in grid-connected electricity storage systems on the Irish grid are manufactured, sold and operated in line with EU regulations and standards. This includes safety certification and labelling for the marketing and the putting into service of batteries used in grid-connected electrical storage systems.
Batteries, including those integrated within energy storage systems, may only be placed on the EU market or put into service if they meet all the applicable requirements, as determined by a Conformity Assessment Body. The Conformity Assessment Bodies are subject to assessment and monitoring by a Notifying Authority.
The EU Batteries Regulation 1542/2023 requires that a conformity assessment procedure be carried out in respect of batteries placed on the market to demonstrate, inter alia, compliance with safety requirements. The procedure is intended to ensure compliance with provisions covering the safety of grid-connected stationary battery electricity storage systems, such as those under Article 12 of the Regulation, where such systems must be subject to appropriate testing and potential safety hazards must be assessed and tested with appropriate mitigation measures and instructions in place.
Furthermore, in July 2024, my Department published the Electricity Storage Policy Framework for Ireland. Chapter 4 of the Policy Framework provides an overview of the existing safety and regulatory regime in place for grid scale electricity storage systems. A number of Government Departments, State bodies and public authorities have specific roles in connection with the safety and regulatory regime of grid-connected electricity storage. Chapter 4 of the Framework outlines their roles and remits in relation to standards, planning, construction, licensing, and safety of grid scale electricity storage systems in Ireland.
115. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the work he has undertaken to engage with the rental car industry in relation to increasing the electricity grid capacity at airports to remove a significant impediment to increasing the use of EV cars by this sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [71467/25]
View answerThe provision of connection agreements for customers of ESB Networks is an operational matter for ESB Networks. It is not one in which the Minister has any function. The development of electricity grid capacity and the provision of connections for customers are the responsibility of the national Transmission System Operator, EirGrid, and Distribution System Operator, ESB Networks.
These system operators are independent of the Minister in the exercise of their respective functions, and both are overseen by the independent regulator, the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU), which is accountable to a Committee of the Oireachtas.
Ireland, like many other European countries, is experiencing high demand for new electrical connections. This demand is driven by a growing population, the electrification of heat and transport, increased industrial activity, housing targets and large energy users.
To ensure the continued delivery of grid capacity to allow the provision of new connection agreements to customers, including those for electric vehicle infrastructure, the Government is providing both vital investment and coordinated cross-government action.
My Department is in regular engagement with the CRU and system operators to work to develop grid capacity and facilitate customer connections. Our Accelerating Renewable Electricity Taskforce brings together these organisations to focus on identifying key barriers and potential solutions to accelerating the delivery of critical grid infrastructure. This work complements that of the Accelerating Infrastructure Taskforce to deliver connections to enterprise and housing, including those required by electrical vehicle rental companies.
116. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the current status of the proposed private wires legislative framework; the timeline for bringing forward primary legislation to allow direct electricity supply arrangements between renewable generators and consumers; how his Department is engaging with EirGrid, the CRU and ESB Networks on implementation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [73230/25]
View answerHaving received Government approval for the Private Wires Policy Statement in July this year, my Department has initiated the process of drafting the subsequent necessary Private Wires legislation.
Officials have begun engagement on the drafting of this legislation with the Commission for Regulation of Utilities, system operators and other relevant Government Departments.
The Heads of Bills were approved by Government this week. Following on from this approval, the Heads of Bill along with the Regulatory Impact Assessment will be published on the Department’s website imminently. Formal drafting of the Bill will begin as soon as possible.
Departmental Officials will work closely with the Commission for Regulations of Utilities and system operators EirGrid and ESB Networks to ensure private wires are regulated to the same safety and technical standards and do not interfere with the efficient development or financing of the National Electricity Grid.
117. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment his Department's role in framing and implementing the regulatory framework for anaerobic digestion; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [72991/25]
View answerGovernment has committed to deliver an ambitious target of indigenously produced biomethane by 2030. In response, my Department, in partnership with the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, published the National Biomethane Strategy in May 2024.
Implementation of the National Biomethane Strategy is an on-going process of collaboration across key Government Departments and Agencies. The Biomethane Implementation Group has been established to oversee implementation of the strategy and delivery of the 25 key strategic actions to ensure the necessary infrastructure and supports are in place to support development of an indigenous biomethane industry of scale.
Although anaerobic digestion (AD) is a very well-established technology in Europe with over 20,000 plants in operation, the sector in Ireland has been relatively small to date. However, there is a robust regulatory framework in place to underpin the development of the AD industry in Ireland further and harness the benefits of biomethane.
For example, plants involved in AD of animal by-products or derived products must be approved by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine. Depending on the plants activity, various licences are required from the Environmental Protection Agency. Onsite Health and Safety is regulated by the Health and Safety Authority, and the plants connection to the gas network is regulated through the Commission for Regulation of Utilities and Gas Networks Ireland’s procedures and standards.
Finally, it is my colleague, the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, who has responsibility for the overall development of national planning policy and legislation. However, AD and other integrated assets are required to undergo a planning process to ensure proper consideration of a range of factors, including location, visual impact, land-zoning plans, and ecology. Guidelines and requirements for these are currently set out through several acts, policy documents, spatial strategies, and development plans. Projects above a certain threshold are also required to complete an Environmental Impact Assessment.
118. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the funding allocated to his Department from the climate tax; and the allocations made therefrom. [72996/25]
View answerThere are currently three measures within the Department that receive funding from carbon tax revenue: -
• Residential /Community Retrofit;
• Just Transition; and
• the Green Climate Fund.
The total carbon tax funding allocated to my Department for the period 2020-25 was €1.522 billion. A further €566 million is allocated for 2026.
Each of the measures received the following amounts during the period 2020-25:
• Residential & Community Energy Efficiency - €1.442 billion.
• Just Transition Fund - €36 million.
• The Green Climate Fund - €12 million
• Energy Poverty Upgrades - €13 million (2020)
• Electric Vehicle Grants - €16 million
• Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure - €3 million.
For 2026, the carbon tax funding of €566 million is being allocated as follows:
• Residential & Community Energy Efficiency - €558 million.
• Just Transition Fund - €6 million.
• The Green Climate Fund - €2 million.
120. Deputy Cathy Bennett asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the current number of consumers in arrears regarding electricity bills; and the cadence at which such data is reported to Government. [72995/25]
View answer154. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the number of households that are in energy arrears for both gas and electricity respectively; the number that are in long-term arrears, as of 30 November 2025; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [71562/25]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 120 and 154 together.
The Commission for the Regulation of Utilities (CRU) regularly publishes market monitoring data including:-
• the estimated annual bills for households;
• the number of households in payment arrears on their energy bills;
• the number of disconnections; and
• the number of customers switching energy supplier.
Arrears data is generally published by the CRU on a monthly basis, though it is acknowledged that there was a delay in the publication of the data in July, August and September of this year. As arrears data operates with a two-month time lag due to the way suppliers report these figures to the CRU and the need to validate the data, the latest published arrears figures are for September 2025.
The data show that there are currently 297,313 customers in electricity arrears. This is a 3.4% decrease from the August figure of 307,862. For those in arrears more than 90 days, 187,307 electricity customers were in arrears in September 2025, a slight decrease of 0.7% from August 2025 which was 188,618.
In relation to gas, 179,576 customers were in arrears in September 2025, a 3.76 decrease from 186,594 households in August. Regarding customers in arrears over 90 days, this stood at 153,658 in September, a decrease of 0.5% from August 2025.
The CRU is currently reviewing its market monitoring framework through which this data is collected and reported upon. The review aims to provide more granular information to gain a better understanding of the numbers of customers who may be in more distress and in need of support with their debt.
The Deputy may wish to engage directly with the CRU in relation to the matters raised. The CRU provides a dedicated email address, oireachtas@cru.ie, for Oireachtas members which enables them to raise questions on general energy regulatory matters.
121. Deputy Brian Brennan asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the efforts being made to reduce the waiting time for people who have applied for the warmer homes scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [73221/25]
View answerThe Warmer Homes Scheme aims to improve the energy efficiency and warmth of homes owned by people at risk of energy poverty by providing fully funded retrofits. The scheme is operated by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) on behalf of my Department and is funded through carbon tax receipts and the European Regional Development Fund.
Increased awareness of the multiple benefits of retrofit and improvements to the Warmer Homes Scheme is driving increased levels of demand for the scheme. The increase in depth of retrofit to an average value of just over €29,000 per home is also reflected in the waiting times as more significant works take a longer time per home to complete.
The average waiting time under the scheme, from application to completion of upgrade works, to date in 2025, was 21 months for the worst performing homes. The represents a decrease from an average of 26 months for homes completed in 2022.
The reduction in waiting times follows a range of measures introduced by my Department and the SEAI, including: the allocation of additional staff to the scheme; a significantly increased budget allocation; active contract engagement and management by the SEAI to increase contractor output; as well as actions to address ongoing supply chain pressures.
Importantly, the SEAI have recently launched, on 8 December, a procurement process to establish a new €1.2 billion contractor panel to be in place in Q2 next year. This will support continued growth with a focus on scale, quality and output under the scheme.
Delivering free energy upgrades to low-income households and reducing the waiting times for the Warmer Homes Scheme is a key priority for my Department and the SEAI.
122. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the progress made in further developing the Heat (Networks and Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2024 to introduce a regulatory framework for district heating; when he expects the Bill to be ready for publication; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [73002/25]
View answerThe draft Heads of the Heat (Networks and Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2024 were approved by Government on 30 October 2024. The legislation is intended to provide the statutory underpinning for the development of a vibrant district heating sector and to establish a regulatory regime for district heating that ensures consumer protection.
The Bill is currently being drafted with support from the Office of the Parliamentary Counsel (OPC). The first draft has recently been submitted by the OPC to my Department. Officials from my Department are actively engaging with the OPC drafter, the Department's own legal team, and external stakeholders to progress the Bill.
My officials have undertaken a series of bilateral meetings with the SEAI, the CRU, and industry. Feedback provided by these stakeholders is being considered in the context of the drafting of the legislation. An SME test has also been conducted in order to ascertain the views of small and medium enterprises. Stakeholder engagement is continuing as we develop the Bill and the target is to have it enacted by mid-2026.
123. Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment how it is intended to meet our 2030 climate targets and avoid significant EU compliance costs, while ensuring that measures do not disproportionately impact family farms or undermine the viability of rural communities. [73012/25]
View answerIreland’s target to reduce emissions under the revised Effort Sharing Regulations (ESR) is 42% compared to 2005 levels by 2030. This Regulation covers those sectors of the economy that fall outside the scope of the current EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS) including transport, buildings, agriculture, light industry and waste.
Under the existing compliance arrangements, Member States can meet their targets through direct emissions reductions, as well as through additional compliance options provided for in the framework. This includes the purchase of allowances from other Member States who have overperformed on their targets. This approach is intended to enable flexibility among Member States to achieve targets as efficiently as possible. Estimating these costs requires working with significant data limitations as, at this point, there is no established cost for purchase of allowances from other Member States.
Government's focus is on achieving the necessary emissions reductions in Ireland by continuing to invest in transformational measures that will decarbonise our economy. For example, the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) will oversee investment of up to €18 billion over the five-year period to 2030 in the energy network.
In line with the National Climate Objective, the Government is committed to a just transition to a climate neutral economy by no later than 2050.
National climate policy is also founded on the principle of a just transition to a climate neutral economy which endeavours, in so far as is practicable, to maximise employment opportunities, and to support persons and communities that may be negatively affected by the transition.
Just transition builds on the principles of evidence-based approaches, ensuring that people are equipped with the right skills to benefit from the net zero economy, cost-sharing and equity, and social dialogue with impacted people and communities.
124. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment to explain the rationale behind not providing targeted energy credits in Budget 2026; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [71564/25]
View answerIn recent years, the Government introduced a suite of measures to help households and businesses deal with the cost of energy. This included the provision of electricity credits to households worth €1,500 over four credit schemes with a total cost of €3.3 billion. These universal credits were always envisaged as a temporary, emergency measure because, while necessary at the time, they are not fiscally sustainable nor do they address the fundamental drivers of high energy costs.
The National Energy Affordability Taskforce was established in June of this year to identify, assess and implement measures that will enhance energy affordability for households and businesses. The first report of the taskforce, which was published last month, set out measures for consideration as part of the Budget 2026 process. Many of these options were reflected in budget decisions. Examples of targeted budget measures aimed at improving energy affordability include:
• the Fuel Allowance will be increased by €5 per week to €38, supporting over 450,000 households who most require Government assistance to meet their energy costs;
• to directly support working families, the Fuel Allowance is being extended to recipients of the Working Family Payment. This will benefit over 43,000 families;
• from September 2026, those who move from Disability Allowance or Blind Pension to employment will be able to retain the Fuel Allowance for 5 years; and
• record funding of €558 million is allocated for Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland residential and community energy upgrade schemes (including the Solar PV Scheme). This allocation will support the highest every budget for the Warmer Homes Scheme which is targeted at households in energy poverty.
In addition, the VAT reduction (from 13.5% to 9%) on electricity and gas bills has been extended to the end of 2030, saving households up to €100 per year.
It is important to note that the Department of Social Protection can also provide support through the Additional Needs Payment to help households meet expenses, including those who face difficulties with fuel bills. There are also a range of Commission for Regulation of Utilities customer protections in place, including disconnection moratoria.
The taskforce is now preparing an engagement and consultation process to inform the development of an Energy Affordability Action Plan to be published mid-2026.
125. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the number of approvals and drawdowns for the home energy upgrade scheme loan in Cork city and Cork county to date in 2025, in tabular form (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [72248/25]
View answerThe Home Energy Upgrade Loan Scheme is intended to play a crucial role in helping homeowners invest in energy upgrades to make their homes warmer, healthier and more comfortable, with lower emissions and lower bills.
The scheme is available nationwide and homeowners can borrow from €5,000 to €75,000 on an unsecured basis for a term of up to 10 years with rates from as low as 2.99% (price varying depending on the finance provider). Loan applications are processed, validated and approved by the participating finance providers. Only loans that have been drawn down under the scheme are uploaded by the finance providers to the Strategic Banking Corporation of Ireland's (SBCI) reporting system.
At the end of September 2025, there were 776 loans drawn to a value of €38,258,801. The Deputy may wish to note that as uptake figures in certain counties mean that it could be possible to identify individual homeowners, regional figures are reported instead. To end September 2025, 111 loans were drawn in the South West region to a value of €5,462,381.
In line with the Programme for Government’s commitment to “Promote the €500 million Home Energy Upgrade Loan Scheme, offering low interest loans for home energy upgrades, from €5,000 to €75,000”, my Department continues to work closely with the SBCI, the SEAI and the participating finance providers to increase awareness of, and demand for, the scheme and drive additional uptake in 2025 and beyond.
The details for home energy upgrades in Cork in 2025 to end November, broken down by the schemes requested, are provided in the following table. Please note that while some of these homeowners may have also drawn down the Home Energy Upgrade Loan, no data is available linking these schemes.
The total number of homes retrofitted under SEAI schemes in 2023 was 47,953 and in 2024 was 53,984. From January to end November 2025, 52,415 upgrades have been completed representing sustained and significant increases each year.
Home Energy Upgrades in Cork – January 2025 to 30 November 2025
|
Scheme |
Number of Property Upgrades |
Amount Funded |
|
National Home Energy Upgrade Scheme |
145 |
€3,087,935 |
|
Better Energy Homes |
1,287 |
€3,090,633 |
|
Solar PV |
3811 |
€7,346,040 |
|
Warmer Homes Scheme |
730 |
€14,334,618 |
|
Total – Cork 2025 |
5,973 |
€27,859,226 |
126. Deputy Joe Cooney asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment if he will consider introducing a technical grant support for single home energy upgrade measures in traditionally built properties to cover the added conservation costs these types of buildings can incur; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [73270/25]
View answerMy Department funds a number of grant schemes administered by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) to support homeowners to improve energy efficiency, and to promote the adoption of renewable energy systems.
The SEAI launched a pilot scheme for the retrofit of traditionally built homes in September 2024. The initial pilot is limited to 100 dwellings with the objective of gathering data on the types of solutions set out in the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage guidance: Improving Energy Efficiency in Traditional Buildings: Guidance for Specifiers and Installers.
The pilot scheme is available under the SEAI’s National Home Energy Upgrade Scheme which provides an end-to-end service for homeowners.
Under this pilot, upgrades are delivered through registered One Stop Shops, supported by a home-owner appointed qualified traditional building professional (TBP). Grant supports are at the same level as those under the National Home Energy Upgrade Scheme – as outlined on the SEAI website at: www.seai.ie/grants/home-energy-grants/one-stop-shop
To date, 57 applications have been received, with the pilot’s first retrofits due for completion in Quarter 1, 2026.
The learnings on the Traditional Homes Pilot to date are:
- increasing homeowner awareness is important, as they play a significant role in decision-making and influencing solutions/contractor choices;
- many learnings on balancing the energy upgrade versus the impact on the building;
- maintaining the architectural heritage of the building, to ensure retrofit measures do not compromise its character; and
- incorporating the TBP can be a challenge, particularly regarding the relationship across various actors in a project.
Any decisions to expand traditional home retrofits beyond the National Home Energy Upgrade Scheme will be informed by the final findings of the pilot scheme which are expected in 2026.
127. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment to provide an update in relation to the Programme for Government commitment to examine community-led ownership models for renewable energy production as an additional income stream for farmers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [73219/25]
View answerThe Programme for Government commits to examine community-led ownership models for renewable energy production as an additional income stream for farmers.
Renewable electricity projects bring benefits to local communities across the country through jobs, community funds, and local revenue. In that regard, my Department is committed to engaging farmers in renewable energy opportunities, fostering sustainable growth and economic diversification in rural Ireland.
Renewable energy offers farmers and others in rural areas opportunities to diversify and develop new income streams and reduce costs. Farms, individuals, and businesses can generate their own electricity, cut utility costs, and reduce emissions through the deployment of renewable energy.
Several supports aid farmers in this transition. The Small-Scale Renewable Electricity Support Scheme (SRESS) incentivises small-scale solar projects. Its first phase offers grants to renewables self-consumers for installations from 50 kilowatt to 1 megawatt. Renewables self-consumers are electricity customers that produce renewable electricity for their own use. They are also entitled to sell any excess electricity produced to their electricity supplier, or store it for their own use. Grants for over 12.9 MW of renewable electricity has been approved so far under this scheme from agriculture applicants.
The second, export phase of SRESS opened in January 2025. It assists farmers, communities, and SMEs to establish export projects up to 6 megawatt, providing a guaranteed tariff, without performance bonds or auctions. SRESS simplifies market access for such small and community projects that are not suited to other schemes. Farmers can apply to SRESS on their own, on the same basis as SMEs, or else as members of Renewable Energy Communities.
Additionally, the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine’s TAMS 3 Solar Capital Investment Scheme (SCIS) offers farmers 60% grant aid, up to €90,000, for solar installations for self-consumption.
128. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment if his Department was consulted on the impact on carbon emissions reductions targets of delaying public transport projects like Dart+ Southwest and Finglas Luas in order to prioritise road investment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [72883/25]
View answerAs Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment, I am a "prescribed body" under the Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended) to be notified of Strategic Infrastructure Developments and Rail Order developments by An Coimisiún Pleanála. As part of such notifications, I am requested to make a submission, where relevant, as a "prescribed body" on various development proposals such as those referred to by the Deputy. I have not been consulted specifically on the impact on carbon emissions reductions targets of delaying public transport projects.
The Environmental Protection Agency is mandated under Section 6D of the Climate Action and Low Carbon Development Act, 2015 (as amended) to carry out an inventory of greenhouse gases as soon as may be after the expiry of any carbon budget period. It is at this point that I will be informed of any exceedance or otherwise of the relevant sectors of the economy of their respective Sectoral Emissions Ceilings.
129. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the actions he has taken to engage with energy supply companies in relation to the high charges they put on customers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [71468/25]
View answer139. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the details of the hardship funds offered by energy retailers this winter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [71560/25]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 129 and 139 together.
As Minister, I meet with a range of stakeholders on important topics including energy prices. In this regard, I can confirm that I have met with both the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU), which is assigned consumer protection functions under the 1999 Electricity Regulation Act, and energy supply companies since being appointed as Minister.
On 26 September 2025, I met with the four largest energy suppliers in Ireland: Electric Ireland, Bord Gáis, SSE Airtricity, and Energia. In addition to these meetings, my officials meet with suppliers on a regular basis and a key message to them is the critical importance of prices being reduced as soon as possible.
Following my engagement with the energy suppliers, I have received confirmation that hardship funds for those struggling to meet their energy costs will be made available to households this winter. The hardship funds operate in different ways from supplier to supplier. I would, therefore, encourage customers that are experiencing difficulties paying their bills to engage with their suppliers. I would also highlight that customers engaging with their supplier will not be disconnected.
The CRU has also published enhanced customer protection measures for Winter 2025/2026. For the upcoming Winter period, some of the key customer protection measures that will remain in place include a disconnection moratorium for reasons of non-payment, minimum timelines for debt repayment plans, discounted tariffs for financial hardship meter customers, and promotion by energy suppliers of the vulnerable customer register. This is in addition to the existing sources of support, such as the Fuel Allowance, Household Benefits Package and Additional Needs Payment Scheme operated by the Department of Social Protection.
In June of this year, my Department established a National Energy Affordability Taskforce to identify, assess and implement measures that will enhance energy affordability for households and businesses, operating within the broader policy context set by the Programme for Government. The taskforce completed its first report, which included measures for consideration to support customers this Winter, to inform Budget 2026 discussions. The taskforce will now proceed with further work to develop an Energy Affordability Action Plan, including a programme of public consultation and stakeholder engagement. The action plan will be published in 2026.
130. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment if he will report on the commitment in the Programme for Government to “revise and improve the provision of grants and financing models for homeowners who wish to retrofit, enhancing energy efficiency and reducing costs” and to “ensure all grants and schemes are accessible to older people in our community”; the progress made following the first year of Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [72819/25]
View answerThe commitments in the Programme for Government are framing the work underway by my Department in continued delivery and development of the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland's (SEAI) residential and community energy upgrade schemes.
The Climate Action Plan sets out actions and measures to be taken to achieve sectoral emissions ceilings for the residential sector. These measures include the retrofit of existing homes and installation of heat pumps to support the achievement of the required emissions reductions.
The most recent SEAI data show that emissions from the residential sector are likely to remain within their sectoral ceiling in the first carbon budget period (to end 2025).
The SEAI has a number of schemes in place to support homeowners to upgrade their properties, thereby allowing homeowners to choose the best home upgrade option to suit their particular needs. These include a number of part-funded schemes and the fully-funded Warmer Homes scheme.
Between 2019 and November 2025, the SEAI residential and community retrofit schemes have provided over €1.6 billion of support to homeowners across the country. This expenditure has resulted in 239,118 home energy upgrades, including over 81,200 BER B2 upgrades and 32,800 fully funded upgrades under the Warmer Homes Scheme.
Budget 2026 has provided record funding of €558 million for the SEAI residential and community energy upgrade schemes next year. This is an increase of €89 million on the Budget 2025 allocation. This funding is expected to be further supplemented with additional monies, such as an allocation from the European Regional Development Fund, which will provide for an increase in the allocation for the Warmer Home Scheme. These allocations will be published as part of the Revised Estimates Volume.
The Programme for Government commits to ramping up the achievement of retrofit targets through continued delivery of the SEAI residential and community energy upgrade schemes, including revising and improving the provision of grants and financing models for homeowners who wish to retrofit, enhancing energy efficiency and reducing costs; as well as the supporting group retrofitting projects and area-based approaches to retrofitting.
Increasing the uptake of energy efficiency upgrades and measures among homeowners is a key priority for my Department and as such, my officials, in partnership with their colleagues in the SEAI, continue to work to deliver in line with the National Retrofit Plan and Programme for Government commitments.
